ZM004
Jimbe Drainage


Country/territory: Zambia

IBA criteria met: A3 (2001)
For more information about IBA criteria, please click here

Area: 15,600 hectares (156.00 km2)

BirdWatch Zambia
IBA conservation status
Year of assessment (most recent) State (condition) Pressure (threat) Response (action)
2013 not assessed very high low
For more information about IBA monitoring, please click here


Site description (2001 baseline)
The area lies at the northernmost tip of the North Western Province, extending southwards and eastwards from the borders with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola (in the north and west) towards Muhonge Local Forest (No. 73). Miombo dominates the vegetation, but there are a few patches of grassland and, most importantly, a network of streams that are lined with moist evergreen forest.

Key biodiversity
See Box and Table 3 for key species. The area holds many species that are endemic to the Guinea–Congo Forests biome. Those with the most restricted ranges in Zambia include Sarothrura pulchra, Alcedo leucogaster, Campethera caroli, Bias flammulatus and Platysteira castanea. Ploceus superciliosus probably breeds in areas where forest and grassland meet and Ptyrticus turdinus would appear to be sparse. A wide range of Zambezian biome endemics also occur. One species of the Afrotropical Highlands biome is present: Bradypterus alfredi.

Non-bird biodiversity: These are among the most notable forests in Zambia, as they hold many taxa typical of the Guinea–Congo Forests biome. Much of the fauna has a highly restricted distribution in Zambia. Snakes include Philothamnus carinatus, Causus lichtensteinii and Thelotornis kirtlandii. Several species of dragonfly are endemic to the area.


Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Jimbe Drainage (Zambia). Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/jimbe-drainage-iba-zambia on 23/12/2024.